Unemployment rates rose in more than two-thirds of U.S. cities last month, evidence that the slowdown in hiring in May was felt nationwide.
Here are the cities with the highest and lowest unemployment rates last month:
Best and Worst Metro areas
Figures are in percentages
Highest unemployment rates May 2012
- Yuma, Ariz. 28.9
- El Centro, Calif. 26.8
- Yuba City, Calif. 17.9
- Merced, Calif. 17.3
- Modesto, Calif. 15.6
- Fresno, Calif. 14.9
- Hanford-Corcoran, Calif. 14.8
- Visalia-Porterville, Calif. 14.7
- Stockton, Calif. 14.5
- Madera-Chowchilla, Calif. 14.3
Lowest unemployment rates May 2012
- Bismarck, N.D. 2.5
- Fargo, N.D. 3.0
- Lincoln, Neb. 3.4
- Burlington-S. Burlington Vt. 3.5
- Iowa City, Iowa 3.6
- Grand Forks, N.D. 3.7
- Sioux Falls, S.D. 3.8
- Midland, Texas 3.8
- Ames, Iowa 3.9
- Portsmouth, N.H. 4.1
